Saltwater Sounds: Welcoming April with Open Arms
Welcome to this week’s edition of Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what to look forward to on the blog, and the inspiration I’ve found throughout the week.
I hope you’ve enjoyed your last week of March!
We’re seeing signs of spring really starting to show, and just like that, April will be here in a couple of days. Winter seemed to drag on this year, so it’s hard to believe how quickly the garden is beginning to wake up now that spring has arrived.
New plant growth and blooms are popping up everywhere I look, and the days are stretching longer and brighter.
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A Walk Around the Greenhouse and Garden
A lot is going on in the greenhouse these days!
The geraniums that have been overwintering are starting to look healthy and full again.
Even though we keep these plants indoors for the winter, I still buy a few geraniums from Costco when they’re available. Because the temperatures can still get quite cold, I leave them in the greenhouse with the others and acclimate them to the outdoors a couple of weeks before our last average frost date.
The last frost date in our area (hardiness zone 8b) can be as early as March 23rd, but I always wait until mid-April before I start hardening off my seedlings and overwintering plants.
I just pinched back the sweet pea seedlings.
The sunflower seeds have been sown and are growing in the greenhouse. I’ve learned that starting them indoors gives them a much better chance—otherwise, the birds treat the freshly planted seeds like a buffet when I direct sow them outside.
The garden is coming alive thanks to daffodils, pansies, and hellebores.
Those cheery yellow blooms are just what I need after a bare and bloomless winter season.
Do you want to know why daffodils are my favorite spring bulbs to grow in the garden?
I’m really getting excited about the tulips growing in the cut flower garden this spring. They haven’t bloomed yet, but get ready!
Here are a few pictures of the tulips around this time last year.
I’m spending this sunny day in the garden.
I was outside getting my hands dirty all day yesterday. I’m working on a special project and can’t wait to show you next week.
Besides cleaning the garden beds up, here are some of the April gardening projects I’ll be working on:
It’s going to be a busy month!
Seed Starting Supplies
Check out my favorite supplies and tools for starting seeds indoors. Whether you’re looking for grow lights or a seed starting mix, you’ll find what I use in my own greenhouse.
“Nothing ever seems impossible in spring, you know.”
― L.M. Montgomery
On the Blog
April Gardening Tips and To Dos in the Pacific Northwest
Are you having trouble figuring out what needs to be done in the garden now that spring has finally arrived? The garden needs a lot of love, and there’s so much to do to prepare for this year’s growing season. Today I’m sharing my April gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden…CONTINUE READING.
5 Quick and Easy Easter Vignette and Tabletop Ideas
Are you looking for some last-minute Easter decor inspiration? Here are 5 quick and easy vignette and tabletop ideas to make your home look lovely for the Easter holiday…CONTINUE READING.
16 Easter Ideas and Inspiration to Bring Cheer to Your Home
Are you looking for Easter ideas and inspiration for your home this spring? Today, I’m sharing 16 creative ideas for Easter decorating, DIY craft projects, brunch menu ideas, Easter tablescape ideas, and more…CONTINUE READING.
How to Divide Dahlia Tubers in the Spring
Did you know that dividing your dahlia tubers every year has many benefits? I’ll show you my process for dividing dahlia tubers in the spring and explain the advantages of splitting these dahlia root clumps annually…CONTINUE READING.
Garden Supplies and Tools
Check out my favorite garden supplies and tools for the growing season. Whether you’re looking for potting soil or deer repellent, you’ll find what I use in my own garden.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week
You’ll fall in love with this gorgeous home.
If you’re still looking for a great Easter breakfast idea, you’ll love this one.
If you love peonies, you will love this post.
I love this Marble Falls home from the Marie Flanigan portfolio.
The ultimate dessert grazing board.
These are the prettiest DIY monogrammed Easter eggs ever!
Gardening Made Simple – Your Guide to Beginning Gardening
Before I go, I just want to say thank you for stopping by. Whether you’re planting seeds, prepping for Easter, or just soaking in the new season, I’m so grateful to have you here.
Wishing you a beautiful week filled with sunshine, fresh blooms, and a little extra kindness.
Until next time,
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